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Suffield principals report academic gains; students recognized and advocate for equal graduation cords
Summary
Principals at Suffield Middle and High Schools presented year‑end reviews May 4 highlighting curriculum shifts, reductions in chronic absenteeism, and program expansions; students were recognized and a senior urged the board to grant graduation cords to all honor societies.
Principals from Suffield Middle and High Schools presented year‑end reports to the Board of Education on May 4, outlining instructional changes, program growth and student recognitions.
Principal Smith told the board that Suffield Middle School prioritized strengthening Tier 1 instruction, rolled out mathematics professional development (including Illustrative Math and Building Thinking Classrooms practices), shifted math interventions from remediation to acceleration, and selected Amplify ELA for a pilot in 2026‑27. Smith also described CTE expansion, robotics and student‑led projects, a revitalized library as a learning hub, and initial implementation of the RULER social‑emotional framework.
At Suffield High School, Principal Anthony Hibbert reported six National Merit Scholarship qualifiers and said chronic absenteeism had fallen from 25 percent to about 15 percent this year, citing strategies such as weekly attendance meetings, individualized plans and coordinated counseling supports. Hibbert described new academic supports including an Algebra 1 Lab and an SAT Prep Academy, continued implementation of Building Thinking Classrooms, investments in a STEAM room and plans to expand RULER practices to students.
The meeting also included student recognition announcements: CAPSS awards to Lorelei Grant (Suffield Middle School) and Anna Griffin (Suffield High School), and identification of salutatorian Anwesha Chandra and valedictorian Noora Khaled. Student representative Olivia Mishtal urged equitable recognition for graduation cords across honor societies, echoed in public comment by senior Nayandeep Tummalapally.
Board members praised the instructional shifts and attendance improvements and said they look forward to reviewing school climate survey results and continued reporting on implementation.
